COMMUNITIES

U NETWORK

WORK

Working people in Singapore are well protected by several laws that ensure their employment rights, safety, health and welfare.

Employment Act (EA)

The Employment Act (EA) is Singapore’s main labour law, which lays down the basic terms and employment standards for all employees under a contract of service with an employer, with some exceptions such as Professional, Managers, and Executives (PMEs) with monthly basic salary of more than $4,500; domestic workers; seafarers; statutory board employees or civil servants.

In 2014, the Labour Movement mooted for the amendment to the EA, which was finally enacted in April 2014. With the amendment, Professionals, Managers and Executives who earn $4,500 or less are now more adequately covered by the law on a wider range of employee rights.

From 1 April 2015, the IR Act has been amended to allow a rank and file union, recognised by the employer, to represent an executive employee in the organisation.

Central Provident Fund Act (CPFA)

The Central Provident Fund Act (CPFA) dictates how employers and employees contribute to the CPF, a mandatory social security savings scheme.

Protection of Harassment Act (POHA)

The Protection of Harassment Act (POHA) protects workers, including those who provide public service, against harassment, online harassment, stalking, cyber-bullying, and other types of anti-social behaviour. It covers both intentional and unintentional offences and includes protection orders against offenders.

Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA)

The Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) specifies that stakeholders – employers, organisations, occupiers in charge of the workplace, manufacturers and supplies, those who install or erect the machinery and equipment, and the employee – have to take reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of persons at the workplace.

Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA)

The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) allows employees to make claims for work-related injuries or diseases without having to take legal action. It includes medical leave wages, medical expenses, and lump-sum compensation for permanent incapacity or death. Independent contractors and the self-employed, domestic workers, and uniformed personnel are, however, not included in the WICA.

Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA)

The Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA) sets the minimum retirement age at 62, with an option for workers who are able and willing to continue working to be re-employed up to 65, affording Singapore citizens and permanent residents who have joined the company before 55 protection from forced retirement before then.

In July 2017, the re-employment age ceiling was officially raised to 67. Find out what this means for both companies and workers via the U Live Re-employment Guidebook.

Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA)

The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) outlines the responsibilities and sets out prescriptive regulations for employers to adhere to, relating to salary, working hours, holidays, annual leave and sick leave.

Foreign Employees Dormitories Act (FEDA)

The Foreign Employees Dormitories Act (FEDA) regulates the licensing framework for operators and proprietors of dormitories for housing foreign employees to ensure certain standards are set and enforced.

Employment Agencies Act (EAA)

The Employment Agencies Act (EAA) provides for the regulation of employment agencies, relating to matters such as entry requirements, upkeep and maintenance of foreign domestic employees.